Chapter 6: Treading Dangerous Waters

Evelyn took a deep breath as she stood in front of the grand restaurant entrance. It was one of those places where the chandeliers sparkled, the air smelled of expensive wine, and the waiters glided across the floor as if floating. She checked her reflection in the glass door, adjusting a loose strand of hair before finally stepping inside.

Her heels clicked softly against the polished marble floor as she walked toward the reserved table. Alexander was already there, sipping a glass of wine, his piercing gaze locking onto her the moment she approached.

"You're early," she noted as she slid into the seat across from him.

"I always am," he replied smoothly, setting his glass down. "Punctuality is a virtue, after all."

She forced a tight smile. "Let's get to it then."

He chuckled, signaling the waiter. "You always were all business, weren't you?"

"I prefer efficiency."

The waiter arrived, and Alexander ordered for both of them before Evelyn could protest. She shot him a glare, but he merely smirked. "I remember what you like."

She leaned back, arms crossed. "That was a long time ago."

"Some things don't change."

The meal arrived, and to her annoyance, he had indeed ordered her favorite—grilled salmon with lemon butter sauce. She hesitated for a second before picking up her fork, determined not to let his thoughtfulness affect her.

The dinner began as a professional discussion. They talked about marketing strategies, customer engagement, and upcoming trends in the industry. Evelyn made sure to keep her answers precise and her tone neutral, but Alexander had a way of steering the conversation into murky waters.

"So, tell me, Evelyn," he said, twirling the stem of his wine glass between his fingers. "Why did you really leave?"

She froze mid-bite. "We're not talking about that."

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Why not?"

She placed her fork down carefully. "Because it's irrelevant."

"I disagree." His voice was softer now, almost coaxing. "You left without a word. One day we were planning a future, and the next, you were gone."

Evelyn clenched her jaw. "Things change, Alexander. People change."

"But you didn't even give me a chance."

A heavy silence hung between them. She could feel the eyes of the other patrons, the quiet clinking of silverware against porcelain the only noise filling the void.

Finally, she exhaled. "I did what I had to do."

He didn't look convinced, but he let it go—for now.

The waiter arrived with dessert, breaking the tension. As he set down a plate of tiramisu, Evelyn took the opportunity to steer the conversation back to business.

"About the advertising campaign—"

"I want you on it exclusively," Alexander interrupted.

She blinked. "What?"

"I don't want anyone else handling this project. Just you."

"That's not how my firm works," she said cautiously. "We assign teams—"

"Then make an exception."

She frowned. "Why?"

He shrugged. "Because I trust you."

The words sent an unwanted warmth through her chest. She quickly squashed it. "I'll have to talk to my supervisor."

"Do that."

She sighed, realizing that refusing outright would only make him more persistent. "Fine."

He smirked. "Good."

After dinner, Alexander insisted on walking her to her car. The cool night air provided a much-needed reprieve from the intensity of their conversation. As they reached her car, he stopped her with a gentle touch on her wrist.

"Evelyn," he said softly.

She turned, but before she could react, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small envelope. "I want you to read this."

"What is it?" she asked hesitantly.

"Something I should've given you a long time ago."

She stared at it for a moment before reluctantly taking it. "I don't—"

"Just read it."

Without waiting for her reply, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the shadows of the parking lot.

Evelyn sat in her car for a long time, the envelope resting on the passenger seat. She wasn't sure she was ready to open it, to face whatever truth he had kept from her.

But deep down, she knew she would.